Pakistan earns diplomatic recognition through leadership's efforts: Sardar Yousaf

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) Federal Minister for Reliious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Tuesday said Pakistan had gained significant diplomatic recognition at the international level due to the collective efforts of the country's political and military leadership.

Taking part in the budget debate on the Finance Bill 2026-27 in the National Assembly, the minister lauded Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDA) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials for strengthening Pakistan's diplomatic outreach and enhancing the country's global standing.

He said the leadership's coordinated efforts had brought honor and prestige to Pakistan, adding that the nation appreciated their contributions toward improving the country's image worldwide.

Sardar Yousaf also expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the National Assembly for acknowledging the successful conduct of Hajj 2026.

He said that Pakistan had received four international awards in recognition of the arrangements made for pilgrims, reflecting the government's commitment to facilitating worshippers.

Commenting on the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, he said it as a balanced financial plan designed to promote economic stability, development and public welfare.

The minister said the government had sought to maintain fiscal discipline while addressing key national priorities and providing relief to various sectors.

He stressed the need for equitable development across all regions of the country and advocated the creation of smaller administrative units to improve governance and address regional disparities.

Highlighting concerns about the Hazara region, he said the provincial government had failed to give adequate attention to the area, where infrastructure damaged during the devastating 2005 earthquake remained largely unrestored even after more than two decades.

He said residents of Balakot, Mansehra and surrounding areas continued to face hardships with many development projects still incomplete and some families yet to receive permanent housing.

The essential infrastructure, including roads, schools and healthcare facilities had not been developed in line with repeated official commitments, he added.

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Sardar Yousaf said that several key projects, including road schemes and the New Balakot City initiative had witnessed prolonged delays, affecting the quality of life of local residents.

Referring to the health and education sectors, he said some hospitals and rural health centers lacked basic medical supplies, while educational institutions suffered from inadequate facilities.

The minister said the shortage of colleges for both boys and girls and criticized the gap between government assurances and actual progress on the ground.

He said that despite Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receiving its due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and royalties from Tarbela Dam, the Hazara region had not received a fair share of development resources.

The minister also criticized the lack of development funds for local government representatives, saying it had weakened grassroots service delivery and contributed to growing public frustration and feelings of deprivation.

Reiterating his support for administrative reforms, Sardar Yousaf said the establishment of smaller provinces, including a separate Hazara province, should be seriously considered to improve governance, ensure equitable resource distribution and accelerate development.

He said that while the federal government had launched several initiatives, including a water supply project for Mansehra, progress on a number of important schemes remained slow.

Sardar Yousaf also expressed concern that funds allocated for earthquake rehabilitation and infrastructure projects had not been fully utilized.

The minister said that around 250 schools damaged in the 2005 earthquake were still awaiting reconstruction despite the release of funds for the purpose.

Sardar Yousaf urged both federal and provincial governments to ensure the fair distribution of resources and effective implementation of development projects.

He said strengthening governance structures and accelerating development efforts would help address long-standing regional disparities and improve public welfare across the country.

APP/sra-tsw-man